April’s birthstone is the diamond, which symbolizes innocence. No wonder the diamond is the first choice for a new engagement ring — the celebration of new love and a new life! And it should come as no surprise that the birth flowers are the daisy and sweet pea, more beautiful signs of Spring.

With the start of April tomorrow, nature is already providing signs of new beginnings all around me.

Here in Riverview, FL, the Sand Hill Cranes are proudly walking their new “babies” throughout the neighborhood.

In our own backyard, the Bluebird family is back building a new nest!

New beginnings, new attitudes! I think they go hand-in-hand. With a new month ahead of us, let’s continue the “Optimism” from March. Remember to “Bea Positive” because positive attitudes are contagious! To spur your new attitude, enjoy “New Attitude” by Patti Labelle and have a great week!

There are two types of people I suspect have no issue believing the best about themselves every minute of every day: narcissists and someone who scores 100 on the EQ (Emotional Intelligence quotient) test. The rest of us have good days and bad days. I like to call the bad days “mental potholes” from a lesson I learned from Bishop T.D. Jakes. Circumstances and people can drive even the most optimistic person to hit a “mental pothole”. It is during these times when it is so easy to lose your self-worth and self-confidence. Yes, even “Bea Positive” can and will drive into one of these “potholes” and need a “tow truck” to get back on track.

It is inevitable that we will encounter some kind of set-back or difficulty some time in our lives – a “mental pothole”. Some of us probably feel like we’ve had more than our fair share! Most people want to help by “doing something”. Sometimes being a tow truck is as easy as saying “I believe in you”.

It’s a very simple phrase, but said from the heart, it is very powerful. I want to share a few phrases from a card that I received from one of my dear friends, Lisa-Marie when I needed a “tow”:

“I believe in you – in the things that are important to you and in the way you choose to live your life . . . that you have many talents and wisdom to use them well . . .I believe in your courage, your compassion, your integrity, and your strength. I believe in your goodness . . . I believe in you.” ~Bobbie Burrow

We have all heard and been told that life is a journey, not a destination. There have been many times throughout my journey, when I have I hit some major “potholes”. If you have someone close to you who is going through a difficult time, remember that sometimes all you have to do is say “I believe in you”.

Always keep hopefulness and cheerfulness in your hearts and expect the best – no matter how many obstacles are in your way! Remember to “Bea-lieve” and “Bea Positive”!

Hi, everyone, I am Bambi, a yorkie terrier rescue. For the first 6 or 8 years of my life I was in a puppy mill. My home was a crate; no one petted me or spoke to me. My sole purpose in life was to birth puppies to make money for the “mean people” who held me hostage. As soon as my puppies were old enough to sell, they were snatched away from me. I only hope they ended up in a better place than me.

One day out of the blue, a swarm of uniformed officers found us. There were 12 of us “mill-mates”, and we were placed in a big van. We didn’t realize it at the time, but we were being rescued!! The “nice people” at the veterinary clinic gave me a bath, petted me and spoke to me. I was one of the fortunate ones and was considered “adoptable” after I had surgery.

A few days after my surgery, my foster-mom, Jean, picked me up. When I got to my foster home, I had a new, soft, warm bed and toys! I had never had toys before, but it didn’t take me long to learn how to play. Foster-mom Jean loved me and nursed me back to health. She was the first person to really love me and take care of me.

After about four months, my forever-home parents found me on the Internet. They loved me as soon as they met me and decided to adopt me. Foster-mom Jean cried and cried the day I left, but we promised to stay in touch. Thank goodness for facebook! I finally had a forever-home with a yard, my own bowls and, of course, my bed and toys!

It has been almost three years now with in my forever home. I have a yard, my own bowls, and of course, my own bed and toys! I get to walk everyday (unless it’s raining), play with Mac and Mattie Ice (my other rescue-buddies). One of my favorite places is laying in the sunshine; I’m trying to make up for the time I missed in my younger years! Although the first years of my life weren’t rough, I know that I will be a spoiled brat for the rest of my days!

The song “I Can See Clearly Now” is one of my mom’s favorite songs and is a perfect way to close my story. Have a “Sun-Shiny Day” and a great weekend!